Since 1960, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP) has stood as a pillar of quality healthcare coverage. For over six decades, this program, officially known as the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan, has been dedicated to serving the health insurance needs of the federal workforce. Proudly participating in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program from its very beginning, BCBS FEP today extends its coverage to over 5.5 million federal employees, retirees, and their families, both within the United States and abroad.
Members consistently choose FEP for its comprehensive benefits and extensive coverage, most notably its Preferred provider network. This network is unparalleled, offering access to more doctors, hospitals, and specialists than any other available network. At Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Health Care Programs, the well-being of our members is paramount. This commitment is evident in every aspect of FEP, from our rewarding incentive programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles to our innovative digital tools and resources that bring healthcare management directly to your fingertips. Members can rely on FEP as a true partner in health, supporting them at every stage of their healthcare journey. This dedication has made us the leading health insurance choice for federal employees, with an impressive 99% member retention rate year after year.
The Role of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) plays a crucial role in the Federal Employee Program. As the national trade association for independent and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies, BCBSA acts as a central coordinator for the Service Benefit Plan.
Each year, BCBSA engages in negotiations with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to define the benefits and premiums for the upcoming year’s Service Benefit Plan. While BCBSA sets the framework, the 33 local Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are the direct points of contact for members of the Service Benefit Plan. These local companies are responsible for the day-to-day operations, including processing claims and providing personalized customer service to our members across the nation.
Accreditations and Valued Partnerships
To ensure the highest standards of operation and service, OPM mandates that all FEHB plans achieve accreditation from recognized organizations. The local BCBS companies and vendors that support the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan proudly hold accreditations from both the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and URAC. These accreditations validate our commitment to meeting nationally recognized benchmarks for quality and operational excellence. For those interested in further details regarding the accreditations held by specific BCBS companies, more information can be found at the NCQA (https://www.ncqa.org) and URAC (https://www.urac.org) websites.
Beyond accreditations, we are also proud to support organizations that directly benefit the federal employee community. We actively partner with the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA) (https://feea.org/) and the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) (https://www.narfe.org/), reinforcing our dedication to those we serve.
By choosing Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Health Care Programs, federal employees are selecting a program with a proven history, a commitment to quality, and a focus on member well-being.
